ALICIA TAKEMURA
Roseville
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bird Department Zookeeper
Detroit Zoological Society
Royal Oak, MI
11.2021 - 12.2024
- Monitored animal health and behavior to ensure welfare and compliance with AZA/USDA safety regulations.
- Educated visitors on species conservation, enhancing public awareness through engaging presentations.
- Developed enrichment programs to promote natural behaviors, improving overall animal well-being.
- Collaborated with other life science departments as a member of the DZS Training Committee from 2024-2025 to broaden knowledge of positive reinforcement training .
Bird/Animal Ambassador Zookeeper
Indianapolis Zoological Society
01.2018 - 11.2021
- Ensured habitats are maintained daily in accordance with IZS and AZA regulations for the security and safety of a collection containing 38 species of avians.
- Participated in egg incubation and hand-rearing of Rainbow lorikeets, Gentoo and Southern Rockhopper penguins.
- Applied operant conditioning training techniques to train new behaviors and maintain established behaviors with 20 species of birds/mammals.
- Captured/restrained animals and provided prescribed medical treatments to individuals requiring special care in collaboration with the veterinary team.
Seasonal Bird Zookeeper
Indianapolis Zoological Society
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Communicated daily verbal reports to supervisors regarding animal behavior, physical well-being, and changes in the social dynamics of animals within collection.
- Incorporated enrichment program into daily care to mentally stimulate and engage animals in natural behaviors.
- Managed daily animal care routines, ensuring health and well-being of diverse species.
Animal Care Intern
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Provided daily husbandry and learned about the propagation of 50 species of birds spanning from Apodiformes to Coraciiformes.
- Collaborated with zookeepers to design species unique enclosures to ensure propagation of critically endangered species.
- Monitored animal health and behavior for up to 110 birds daily, reporting changes to senior caregivers promptly.
Sea Lion Zookeeper Intern (Paid)
Birmingham Zoo Incorporated
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Completed daily husbandry, animal observations, exhibit maintenance and fish diet preparation as directed.
- Proficient in the basics of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training techniques.
- Maintained established criteria for 15 behaviors with trainer for 0.1.0 California Sea Lion.
Bird Zookeeper Intern
Minnesota Zoological Gardens
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Cleaned animal exhibit areas and followed feeding schedules for 8 different sections for 80 species ranging from Passeriformes to Coraciiformes.
- Engaged with guests on and off microphone daily during African Penguin feeds creating positive interactions.
- Hand reared 0.0.2 Peruvian Thick-knee chicks from hatch date until 1 month of age.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05-2016
Skills
- Animal care expertise
- Behavior observation
- Animal training
- Animal enrichment
Timeline
Bird Department Zookeeper
Detroit Zoological Society
11.2021 - 12.2024
Bird/Animal Ambassador Zookeeper
Indianapolis Zoological Society
01.2018 - 11.2021
Seasonal Bird Zookeeper
Indianapolis Zoological Society
04.2017 - 10.2017
Animal Care Intern
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
06.2016 - 08.2016
Sea Lion Zookeeper Intern (Paid)
Birmingham Zoo Incorporated
05.2015 - 08.2015
Bird Zookeeper Intern
Minnesota Zoological Gardens
05.2014 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Michigan State University